UPDATE: Check out our new 2023 Best Cities to Live in the U.S. list.
#7. San Luis Obispo CA
Why You Should Honeymoon Here: Find your “happy ever after” on a honeymoon to San Luis Obispo (or SLO) along the Central Coast in California. With vineyards, beaches along the Pacific coast, mountains, and fairytale-like forests, SLO Cal has garnered a reputation for being the happiest place in America. (Sorry, Disney!) This lesser-known region is between Los Angeles and San Francisco, and has far fewer crowds and enjoys a slower pace (and less expensive hotels!).
Go Here Instead Of: Portugal. Trade the salt cod and sardines for oysters along Morro Bay. (Hey, they’re said to be an aphrodisiac after all!).
Average Nightly Hotel Price: $139
Where to Stay: If you and your loved one appreciate a little quirk, a stay at the Madonna Inn is in order. Each of the hotel’s 110 rooms are uniquely decorated and unabashedly over-the-top. The “Love Nest” room has bright pink carpet and a staircase that leads to a private viewing tower.
What to Pack: As you can guess, SLO Cal is laid-back. Pack some boots and jeans as a fun way to explore the vineyards is via horseback and you can do so with Central Coast Trail Rides through the vineyards at Cass.
Romantic Date Night Spot: Enjoy a dinner at Novo in San Luis Obispo, and to really get this right request a creekside table.
Can’t-Miss Experience: Take a romantic walk on the beach at Moonstone Beach in Cambria and search for gemstones along the way to create your own piece of jewelry. Or, relax in a private hot spring along the hillside in Avila Beach at Sycamore Hot Springs.
Sweet Spot: The pink champagne cake at Madonna Inn is famous for a reason.